Larger iPad with 12.9″ Display Coming in Early 2015

Apple will release a larger iPad with a 12.9″ screen in early 2015, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

“Apple Inc.’s suppliers are preparing to manufacture the company’s largest-ever iPad, with production scheduled to commence by the first quarter of next year, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The new iPad will have a screen measuring 12.9 inches diagonally, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the details aren’t public. “

A 12.9″ display would be considerably bigger than what exists on current iPad models, the iPad Air has a 9.7″ display, which is the same size that debuted on the original iPad, while the iPad Mini has a 7.9″ display. Other details on the 12.9″ device are scarce, but there have long been whispers and rumors of a larger screened “iPad Pro” model.

The Bloomberg report expects the larger screen iPad model to be popular with the enterprise market, but one can imagine that creatives would also find the larger screened device to be appealing.

A mockup image shown below was created by MacRumors, showing an imagined iPad Pro with 12.9″ display alongside a MacBook Air for size comparison.

Separately, the Bloomberg report reiterates earlier rumors that the existing iPad lineup will be refreshed soon, in time for the holiday shopping season. Bloomberg also reaffirms the September 9 launch date of both upcoming bigger screened iPhone 6 models in 4.7″ and 5.5″ offerings.